With a chance to reach consecutive title matches on his hands, the southern Caroline women’s basketball coach, Dawn Staley, walked on the field with a tribute to a courageous little girl.
Staley, coach of the national reigning champion Gamecocks, entered Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, ready to try to reach his third game for the national title in four years.
But she did it while wearing a lot of necklaces for pearl colored – as well as bracelets.
All of these have a meaning and are inspired by Staley’s interactions with a little girl, Blakeleigh Thompson.
Holly Rowe d’Espn explained: “She had the chance to meet a little girl, Blakeleigh, seven years old who crosses leukemia.
“She met her in 2023, but tonight, Blakeleigh becomes here and looks at coach of coach Staley for the first time.
Southern Carolina coach Dawn Staley was seen bearing colorful pearls in the Final Four on Friday
The necklaces are made by Blakeleigh Thompson, a seven -year -old girl who fights on leukemia
South Carolina will play for its third national title and their first consecutive title
Rowe added that just before the Final Four force test against Texas, Blakeleigh gave Staley a new necklace to wear specially for the match.
“Dawn said it helps her remind her how blessed she is to train basketball,” said Rowe.
With Blakeleigh watching from the stands, Staley and her Southern Caroline Gamecocks won a place in the national title match after eliminating Texas 74-57.
Te -Hina Paopao led the South Carolina with 14 points in the night – Joyce Edwards marking 13 points on the bench and Bree Hall adding 11 points.
Meanwhile, Texas had trouble – firing 39% of the field when they were led by the 16 points of Jordan Lee on the bench.
Now, the Gamecocks are waiting for the UCLA and UCONN winner to see who they will play for the title Sunday afternoon.
